Technician

MAIN FUNCTION:

Perform under the direction of the RN. LPNs hired into a technician position prior to 2011 may function in a technician position that does not require a degree. Scrubs and assists surgical team members, implements appropriate sterile techniques, assists in the care of patients, stocks patient care areas on a routine basis, and prepares and maintains equipment on the unit. Assists with team with room turnover. Perform receptionist and clerical duties on the nursing unit. Participate in required programs. Completes tasks delegated by the RN. The RN delegates these tasks to the technician in compliance with hospital, nursing department policies/procedures and the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Ohio. Follows WCH nursing philosophy and practice model which are derived from the synergy model and appropriate service standards as outlined in employee handbook.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Department Manager, Assistant Manager, Charge Nurse, RN of assigned unit

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or GED
• Clinical experience in a healthcare facility or health care related experience
• Maintain a current AHA (American Heart Association) Healthcare Provider BLS card while in this position. (Does not apply for Sterile Processing Techs)

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Familiar with Meditech computer system
• Knowledge of sterile technique or previous scrub experience
• Familiar with medical terminology

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

• Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and are required to wear barriers
• Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete nursing care tasks
• Required to take "on call" status
• Reassigned to a nursing unit to assist with tasks within current job description
• Subject to STHR according to policy

POSITION EXPECTATIONS: All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) Essential.

Leadership

• Embraces teamwork by adhering to Nursing Practice Model
• Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
• Demonstrates appropriate work place behavior and competence within job duties
• Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills

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Communication

• Maintains awareness of verbal/ non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
• Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
• Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
• Utilizes AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Expectations, Thank You) strategies to foster positive communication
• Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction. Follows appropriate chain of command.
• Participates in huddles/ team collaboration
• Reports patient observations and specific problems appropriately

Operations

• Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner. Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills.

• Safely transports patients via wheelchair, beds, carts throughout facility
• Round on patients to identify patient needs and safety issues
• Maintain fall prevention strategies
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment
• Under the direction of nursing staff:

• Provides appropriate hygiene care for patients
• Provide comfort measures
• Follow infection control guidelines and safety precautions
• Assist patients with nutrition, elimination and activity/mobility
• Specimen collection and transport using appropriate technique
• Completes surgical/procedure prep as applicable

• Accurately document care provided in a timely manner
• Demonstrate reasonable and rational judgment in decision making
• Assist with flow of unit:

• Obtains, maintains & returns supplies and equipment as directed
• Operates and cleans equipment safely and appropriately. Initiates work orders/ reports to appropriate person.
• Cleans and maintains nursing station, report and break rooms, kitchen areas and others as assigned
• Assists with admissions, discharges and transfers

• Other duties as assigned by nursing leadership may include:

• Processes transfers and discharges according to procedure
• Prepares patient charts for all types of patients including special procedures; obtains appropriate consent form for chart and notifies appropriate personnel
• Obtains patient's previous charts as ordered
• Accurately enters charges daily into computer for all patients
• Processes bed assignment and changes according to procedure. Verifies floor census daily. Keeps census record updated on an ongoing basis.
• Answers phone and intercom promptly and courteously. Relays pertinent information in timely manner.

Customer Service

• Displays positive attitude. Treats others with honesty and respect. Speaks positively in all customer interactions internal and external.
• Assess customer satisfaction when rounding on patients and use appropriate chain of command for unresolved issues or problems
• Use AIDET(Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) to:
  • Optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and family’s anxiety and increasing the patient’s compliance
  • Develop positive relationships with other departments to foster patient satisfaction.
• Use face to face resolutions (crucial conversations) to intervene with patients or staff in situations where customer needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable resolution

Staff Development / Personal Growth

In conjunction with the Department Manager, Clinical Specialist and / or Educator:

• Function as a preceptor, seeking learning opportunities for orientee. Interact with Department Manager, Clinical Educator/Instructor, to evaluate orientee progress towards goals, identifying additional needs.
• Demonstrates professional growth by attending conferences, participating in committees/unit projects and ongoing educational activities
• Demonstrates initiative and responsibility to develop personal, leadership and professional goals
• Accept feedback as opportunity for growth
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of new policies and procedures, practices, changes in practice, and initiatives. Obtains this knowledge via staff meeting attendance, reading of communication, required hospital education, discussion with departmental leadership and peers.

Performance Improvement

• Identify processes to be improved and communicate to management team. Assists in data collection as directed.
• Participates on at least one team, project and/or committee: unit, departmental or hospital based.
• Develop and maintain awareness of TJC (The Joint Commission), CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) and other required quality and safety measures
• Develop and maintain ongoing understanding of current practice for the types of patients for whom care is provided

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY

Dependent upon department and the population served:

Neonatal (Birth thru 28 days)

• 
  Handles infants in gentle manner
• Speaks in soothing voice
• Holds and cuddles infant when necessary
• Facilitates parental interaction and care of infant

Infant (29 days thru 12 months)

• 
  Approaches infant in slow, non-threatening way
• Speaks in soothing way
• Holds and cuddles infant as much as possible
• Encourages parental interaction with infant
• Allows for familiar toys/blankets to be brought from home

Pediatrics (one year thru 11 years)

• 
  Allows choices when possible
• Speaks directly using few, clear, simple terms and explanations
• Limits number of strangers entering room
• Provides consistent nursing assignments
• Does not shame parents for lack of cooperation
• Holds child for painful procedures

Adolescents (12 years thru 18 years)

• 
  Allows participation in care and choices as appropriate
• Provides for patient's modesty
• Tells patient exactly what will be expected
• Allows patient control
• Speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

• 
  Identifies physical/social/emotional barriers and physical limitations at discharge
• Teaches patient about one item at a time
• Repeats instructions several times
• Speaks slowly and distinctly when talking to the patient

Unit Specific Requirements:

Anesthesia Technician

MAIN FUNCTION:

The Anesthesia Technician is responsible for maintaining adequate levels of supplies and equipment in the department including ordering drugs and other associated items. This position is also responsible for cleaning and maintaining the anesthesia equipment and carts, scheduling preventive maintenance for anesthesia machines and keeping equipment in good working order. The Anesthesia Tech assists anesthesia personnel with room turnover and other procedures as directed.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager, OR/SP

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous hospital experience in purchasing or supplies acquisition
• Familiarity with computers and basic keyboarding skills
• Current Certification with the American Society of Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists (ASATT)

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:

• Provides turnover assistance between cases
• Maintains storeroom, orders supplies and equipment. Completes cycle counts, receives and stocks inventory items.
• Coordinates service, including preventative maintenance on equipment. Contacts our biomedical engineer or service representative to schedule service as appropriate.
• Assists anesthesia personnel with procedures such as, art lines, rapid fluid infusion, patient monitoring and transport
• Checks and records daily temperatures on bone freezer, refrigerators and warmers
• Orders special items as needed. Places purchase orders and reviews items
• Maintains certification through ASATT
• Assists with annual inventory counts
• Organizes and maintains anesthesia machines, specialty carts, equipment and pharmaceutical supplies. Works with Pharmacy to check outdates
• Trouble shoots and makes necessary changes to streamline daily operations
• Performs weekly control tests and completes minor preventative maintenance on anesthesia equipment
• Cleans and maintains anesthesia equipment according to procedure
• Performs clerical duties such as answering the telephone, taking messages for the staff and physicians, greeting patients, and paging physicians
• Maintains a safe, orderly working environment
• Accurately records pertinent data in safety log and files records according to procedure

Cardiac Cath/ Special Procedures Lab

(Rad Tech) See Radiology Technician job description

Hyperbaric Technician

MAIN FUNCTION:

Administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy and diagnostic testing under the supervision of a hyperbaric physician. All therapeutic and diagnostic modalities will be ordered by the physician.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Clinical Manager, Charge Nurse

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Is a graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care program, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). or LPN and Licensed in state of Ohio
• 2 years experience in hospital environment
• Completion of “Introductory to Hyperbaric Medicine” course

Additional Position Expectations:

• Performs transcutaneous oxygen monitoring testing as ordered and per department policy
• Ascertains that the patient's diagnosis is one of the appropriate approved disorders for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the diagnosis is clearly entered on the patient's chart/records
• Implements the physician's orders as indicated by the patient's treatment plan
• Educates patient and/or patient's family as to the benefits, risks, contraindications and safety issues of hyperbaric oxygen therapy before treatment
• Performs point of care testing per order and reports results as per policy
• Inspects patient prior to commencement of each Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBO2T) session to ensure all safety standards are meet
• Performs hyperbaric treatments and monitors the patient during the therapy
• Performs dressing changes/wound care as ordered
• Takes serial photographs of the wound for progress reporting of the patient progress
• Evaluates the patient outcome and meets with the manager and appropriate physicians to discuss patient treatment and adjust treatment as necessary
• Consults with hyperbaric physician and/or department physician assistant in the event of adverse reactions
• Documents treatment notes and maintains patient treatment/diagnostic records
• Completes the patient's treatment charges
• Maintains continuous process improvement duties, including chart audits
• Answers telephone inquiries and schedules patient treatment times
• Performs marketing duties as needed
• Performs inventory checks and maintains record of supplies and laundry items
• Maintains equipment and checks backup air and oxygen supplies on a daily basis
• Conducts in service training for nursing and ancillary departments
• Demonstrates procedures and treatments to orient new employees as necessary

Sterile Processing Technician

MAIN FUNCTION:

Responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, processing, assembling, inspecting, sterilizing, storing and distributing devices and supplies used in patient care. Maintains infection control/ quality standards.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager, Sterile Processing

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• CRCST(Certified Registered Central Service Technician) status to be obtained by end of year one
• CER Certification within 2 years

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Experience in Central Service or related health care field

Additional position expectations:

• Position requires weekend/holiday/call hours
• Able to respond to the hospital within 45 minutes
• Sorts all incoming materials and cleans designated equipment and instruments according to written standards
• Uses and/ or is cognizant of the proper use/ handling of all chemicals used in the department
• Uses and/ or operates all sterilizing equipment in department according to policy procedure
• Properly sorts, assembles, inspects and prepares packs, equipment and materials to be sterilized and/ or stored and distributed
• Makes AM and PM pick-up and delivery rounds of all departments according to policy/ procedure
• Prepares various special order sets, packs, or items as directed
• Properly uses safety equipment, and maintains a clean, safe work environment
• Demonstrates knowledge of rotation system for all items stored in the department
• Receives and dispenses materials of outside contracts correctly
• Keeps logs and records as requested
• Performs computer functions utilizing tracking system, and to regularly maintain skills and maintain educational requirements. Supply ordering as needed.
• Functions in the Endoscopy suite reprocessing endoscopes and maintaining adequate supplies.

Certified Surgery Tech (CST)

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MAIN FUNCTION:

Scrubs and assists the RN and other health care team members during surgical procedures. Assists in the care, preparation and maintenance of sterile and non-sterile equipment.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Department Manager, Surgery

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to respond to WCH in 30 minutes.
• BLS must be maintained while in this position
• OR Tech certification – Graduate Accredited School of Surgical Technology OR Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Prior experience as a CST

Additional position expectations:

• Verifies correct sponge, tape, needle and instrument according to procedure
• Assists the RN in receiving the patient in operating room, checks patient identity and chart to assure all necessary information has been completed
• Assists RN in assessing patient's physical and emotional needs; according to the patient's age and development
• Assembles necessary supplies and equipment and ascertains all are in working order
• Assists in properly positioning patient on operating table and preparing the operative site
• Using sterile technique, properly dons sterile gown and gloves, and technique sets up table with instruments and supplies according to procedure
• Gowns and gloves members of the surgical team according to procedure
• Assists the surgeon and/or assistant during the operative procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgeon
• Prepares sterile dressing according to procedure
• Clears table and properly disposes of linen, instruments, sharps and needles in designated areas

Women’s Pavilion

MAIN FUNCTION:

Scrubs and assists surgical team members, implements appropriate sterile techniques, assists in the care of patients, stocks patient care areas on a routine basis, and prepares and maintains equipment on the unit. Assists team with room turnover. Perform receptionist and clerical duties on the nursing unit.

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Availability to take call for c-sections and respond within 20 minutes

Additional position expectations:

• Assists RN in the operating room as needed
• Using sterile technique scrubs in prescribed manner, dons sterile gown and gloves according to procedure
• Assists the surgical team during the operative procedure by anticipating the needs during the surgery
• Verifies correct surgical counts according to policy
• Properly disposes sharps, cleans instruments, and linens to designated areas
• Obtains and accurately documents measurements and vital signs
• Log deliveries and AC patient’s in book and computer as needed
• Check all required temp/humidity on the unit and log as instructed

• Sets up delivery set ups and cleans equipment from labor rooms
• Stocks all patient rooms, nursery supplies and surgical rooms as necessary
• Checks all temp/humidity as required on the unit and logs
• Meditech system-order supplies, order entry, patient scheduling
• Utilizes the formsfast system for charts for new patients
• Operates the Prosec security system upon admitting, discharge, and testing
• Assumes secretarial duties as necessary; able to perform order entry using correct order source, type complimentary birth certificates, and other duties as needed